’Nobody’s Soldier’ Meaning; Hozier’s New Song

Analyzing Hozier’s “Nobody’s Soldier” Through the Lens of Capitalism, Realism, and Symbolic Visuals

Hozier’s song “Nobody’s Soldier,” accompanied by a powerful and visually rich music video, serves as a profound critique of the intertwined nature of capitalism, society, and warfare. These themes are deeply explored within the realms of International Relations, especially in theories such as Realism and critiques of Capitalism.

Capitalism: Commodification of Conflict

In the music video for “Nobody’s Soldier,” Hozier draws a parallel between commerce and warfare, showcasing how these two elements are often commodified under capitalism. The imagery of bullets, helmets, and bombs interspersed with words like “Opportunity,” “Business,” and “Profit” symbolizes how war is often driven by capitalist motives, turning human suffering into a means of financial gain. This reflects a critique of the military-industrial complex, where conflicts are perpetuated not for ideological reasons but for the financial interests of those in power.

The scene where Hozier is seen making dolls that resemble businessmen and soldiers underscores the dehumanizing aspect of capitalism—where individuals are reduced to mere commodities, tools in the service of profit.

The inclusion of a doll’s part labeled “collateral” is particularly poignant, suggesting that human lives, especially those of the vulnerable, are often dismissed as mere collateral damage in the pursuit of international and economic gain.

Realism: Power and Moral Ambiguity

Realism, as a theory in international relations, posits that the international system is anarchic and driven by power struggles where moral considerations are often secondary to national interest. In “Nobody’s Soldier,” Hozier’s refusal to choose between being a “salesman or a soldier” can be seen as a rejection of the realist worldview that necessitates participation in these power struggles, often at the cost of one’s moral integrity.

The visuals of the music video, particularly the juxtaposition of war imagery with that of corporate greed, align with the realist understanding that power—whether economic or military—is often pursued without regard for human cost. The realist critique is further evident in the way the video portrays soldiers and businessmen as interchangeable—both are tools of the state and economy, instruments of power used to maintain the status quo.

Symbolism and Fan Interpretation

The music video’s symbolic visuals resonate deeply with fans, as seen in online discussions where they speculate about the song’s meaning. Fans have interpreted the imagery of doll parts as a critique of how capitalism devalues human life, reducing people to mere parts in a machine designed to generate profit. The use of a child’s shoe labeled “collateral” also evokes the innocence lost and the human cost of these power struggles, a sentiment echoed in fan interpretations that align closely with anti-capitalist and anti-war messages.

Additionally, the portrayal of Hozier at a table making dolls of businessmen and soldiers symbolizes the construction of these identities within a capitalist framework, where people are molded to serve specific roles in society—roles that support the continuation of both economic exploitation and conflict.

Conclusion: A Confluence of Theories and Visual Storytelling

“Nobody’s Soldier,” by Hozier offers an emotionally moving critique of the capitalist ideas that dominate global relations.

The music video enhances his message by using powerful symbolism to convey the dehumanizing effects of these paradigms.

By refusing to “take orders” and rejecting the binary choice between being a “salesman or a soldier,” Hozier calls for a reconsideration of the roles individuals play in perpetuating these cycles of violence and exploitation.

References

1. HozierVEVO. (2024, August 19). Hozier – Nobody’s Soldier (Official Video) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj4H_-VOceM
2. Hozier – Nobody’s Soldier. (2024). Genius. https://genius.com/Hozier-nobodys-soldier-lyrics
3. WJJY 106.7. (2024). Hozier equates warfare and commerce in new video for “Nobody’s Soldier”. Retrieved from WJJY 106.7.
4. Can we talk about Nobody’s Soldier meaning? (2024). Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/Hozier/s/m9rkUyS7aW
5. ChatGPT. (n.d.). OpenAI. https://chat.openai.com/# ‎